Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the California Community Colleges Student Mental Health Program (CCC SMHP)?

CCC SMHP is a statewide student mental health program being implemented within the California community colleges. CCC SMHP is one of several Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) initiatives funded by the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) and implemented by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). CalMHSA is an organization of California counties working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

CCC SMHP is a partnership between the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) and the Foundation for Community Colleges (Foundation). The CCC SMHP grant project began in 2011 which is referred to as Phase I. In April 2015, CalMHSA released an RFP for Statewide Phase II PEI Programs, Program One: Reaching California's Diverse Communities to Achieve Mental Health and Wellness. The CCCCO and the Foundation submitted an application for funding and CalMHSA's Board of Directors approved the proposal for funding in June 2015. The Foundation is the fiscal agent for the project and staff from both the Chancellor's Office and Foundation collaborate in program implementation activities

CCC SMHP is based on three strategic directions targeting faculty, staff and students in all 114 California community colleges. These strategies are: 1) broadly market and disseminate Each Mind Matters (EMM) resources and tools; 2) provide training and technical assistance to increase local adoption and promotion of existing and customized EMM tools and resources; and 3) leverage existing regional networks to increase college and partner engagement in CCC SMHP and EMM efforts.

What are the amount, source, and duration of funding for the CCC SMHP?

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) awarded $1.4 million ($700,000 per year) to support the CCC SMHP Phase II. Program implementation begins on October 1, 2015 and will conclude on June 30, 2017.

What is CalMHSA?

CalMHSA is an independent administrative and fiscal government agency focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects. It was established by California counties in June 2009 as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). CalMHSA's member counties work together to develop, fund and implement mental health services, projects and educational programs; and implement these services at state, regional and local levels. CalMHSA is headed by a separate Board of Member Counties and an Executive Committee comprised of officers and Statewide Regional Representatives. It employs the administrative firm of George Hills Company, Inc., operates within statutes governing JPA entities, and complies with the Brown Act open meeting requirements. For more information on CalMHSA, please to go to www.calmhsa.org.

What are the goals of CCC SMHP?

The main program goals that are proposed for implementation include the following:

Broadly disseminate products already developed by program partners during Phase I, especially focused on innovative approaches and targeting diverse and underserved populations such as LGBTQ, first generation or immigrant, African American, Native American, and others.

Provide training and technical assistance to colleges and student clubs, groups or organizations to increase mental health awareness on campuses.

Develop and institutionalize a regional infrastructure for student mental health based on regional models that exist in the Chancellor's Office. The proposed regional structure for this project will be the California community colleges' 10 Health Services Regions.

Continue to provide the Kognito Solutions suicide prevention online gatekeeper trainings to all colleges at no cost. Currently, 100 of the 114 colleges are utilizing these courses that were made available as part of the CCC SMHP Phase I.

Increase the relevance, satisfaction, and usage of student mental health resources and support among CCC's.

Collaborate and coordinate with other Phase II PEI funded partners.

How can I learn more about the California Mental Health Services Act and related subjects?

CCC SMHP Site Search

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